News:: Media Molecule's Dreams is an incredible creation tool, and I'm way too dumb to use it

Dreams are the stuff of infinity, the only real limitation being the bounds of your unconscious imagination. That's not much of a limitation at all. Your brain could have anything in store on any given night -- from the blanket warmth of the comfortable and pleasant, to the sheer terror of death by axe murder. Maybe this time you won't have any teeth. Who knows.

Dreams (this time italicized and almost always preceded by the words "Media Molecule's") is that same sort of blank slate. It's a playground for the mind, the kind of sandbox where anything is possible. Spending a mere 20 minutes with Dreams was more than enough time to drive that notion home.

In our GDC demo, we saw a horned hybrid dragon/teddy bear thing saunter through an incredible effervescent forest. We were contributing. With every demo, Media Molecule added to the scenario. Paint a little more of the landscape, change the way his animation works (I encouraged moving the sassyness slider all the way up), queue some new camera transitions. By the end of the fifth day of GDC, there will be a whole playable scene.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/media-molecule-s-dreams-is-an-incredible-creation-tool-and-i-m-way-too-dumb-to-use-it-495161.phtml

News:: 'Apocalypse Cow' is a platform game inspired by 'Wreck-It Ralph'

One of the best things about attending GDC is that, more often than not, you come across some of the best-looking independent titles. Today, that honor goes to Apocalypse Cow, a cinematic adventure game that draws inspiration from animated films like Wreck-It Ralph and genre-classics such as Super Mario. This 2D platformer, developed by an indie studio called Monsters, features the story of a character named Penny who tries to figure out what caused a glitch in a digital universe made up of video game worlds -- hence the homage to Wreck-It Ralph.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/apocalypse-cow-steam-xbox-wreck-it-ralph/

News:: Hyper Light Drifter is headed for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo hosted an indie game showcase event today but even that wasn't enough to cover all of the day's Switch port news. As with Nidhogg 2, we've since learned that Hyper Light Drifter is also coming to the platform. Heart Machine and Abylight Studios are aiming for a summer 2018 release.

Dash dash pic.twitter.com/gVxfg4kGMY

— Skeletons Inside (@HeartMachineZ) March 20, 2018

The Switch version will be made possible thanks in part to a new export-to-Switch feature for developers using GameMaker Studio 2. In today's announcement, Abylight said it is "working closely" with GameMaker creator YoYo Games, as Hyper Light Drifter "pushed the technical envelope."

HLD was definitely near the top of the most-wanted list, right up there with Undertale. I hope even more of these fan-favorite GameMaker titles find their way onto Switch this year.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/hyper-light-drifter-is-headed-for-nintendo-switch-495190.phtml

News:: Street Fighter 30th Anniversary gets launch date, Switch exclusive mode & Ultra SFIV pre-order bonus on other platforms

Over the last few days, a number of cool details have been revealed concerning Capcom's upcoming compilation Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Edition, which launches on multiple formats May 29.

The fantastic looking compendium, featuring a selection of the finest fighting games of all-time, will also have an exclusive mode within its Nintendo Switch release. "Tournament Battle" is a mode which featured in richer arcades back in the heady days of Super Turbo. It allowed eight players to compete in battle, utilising a series of arcade cabs that were all linked together, sharing bracket data between machines and even telling winning players where to sit for their next fight! Aaah, them's were't days...

This mode will be recreated in ST on the Switch, allowing for eight player local battles, with the consoles keeping score, telling players who their next opponent is and allowing for sparring sessions whilst you wait. Old school and very cool.

In other news, Capcom have announced that pre-ordering the game on PC, PS4 and Xbox One will bag you a downloadable copy of the excellent Ultra Street Fighter IV. Thus ensuring you have every mainline Street Fighter title from one through four, all on one console. That's a great offer.

Finally, there were concerned rumblings recently that the Anniversary Collection would contain bare-bones arcade ports, and not feature VS Mode or the hugely-important Training Mode. However, Pro Street Fighter commentator James Chen recently stated that he had it confirmed to him that the retail build will indeed feature these modes.

I honestly think, even though it is a re-release, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is shaping up to be one of the best Capcom titles of all time. For those equally hyped to throw down in Alpha 2, Third Strike, or good old Super Turbo, the collection hits PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch May 29.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/street-fighter-30th-anniversary-gets-launch-date-switch-exclusive-mode-ultra-sfiv-pre-order-bonus-on-other-platforms-495158.phtml

News:: Review in Progress: Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves has an amazing foundation. That's clear from the outside looking in, and the feeling washes over you the first time you board your ship, chart a course, raise the anchor, lower the sails, and set off adventuring in a shared world in which other crews are out there doing the same. It's magical.

But how long will it last? How long can a social-driven sandbox game stay engaging once you've grown accustomed to the quest types, fallen into a groove, and the initial whimsy starts to subside? That was the question coming off of the Sea of Thieves beta, and it's one I can't fully answer yet.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/review-in-progress-sea-of-thieves-495163.phtml

News:: EGLX was my first gaming convention and it won't be my last

I’m not entirely sure an early weekend in March, the weekend where daylight saving begins and we all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday, is the best time to hold a video game convention. I don’t remember a point during the five days I was in Canada where it wasn’t below freezing, my lips becoming more and more chapped with every sudden ice flurry that battered my face. It was downright dreary on the frozen streets of Mississauga, but inside the convention doors of the International Centre, I quickly warmed myself with the genial hospitality of the Enthusiast Gaming crew and the general atmosphere of the thousands in attendance.

EGLX was my very first gaming convention. Though I’ve been writing for this site for roughly four years this week, I’ve never had the chance to go to E3 or PAX or even Gaymer X. It was never in the cards for me, so when I was invited by Destructoid to cover the show in Canada, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. A $200 passport fee and a five-hour flight later, I’d made it to a show I really didn’t have any faith in.

Destructoid was purchased by Enthusiast Gaming last year after E3 and since then I didn’t know what to expect from our new owners. Not much changed with the site, so when I found out they were putting on their own gaming convention, I honestly thought it would be some chintzy event that would leave us all embarrassed to be there. I’m a cynical guy so I didn’t expect much. I didn’t expect four massive stages for competitive gaming. I didn’t expect three days’ worth of educational panels. I didn’t even realize I was sitting on a panel until the day before. I didn’t expect to meet the developers of Cuphead or see some truly amazing cosplay or have a long conversation about games with a complete stranger while playing Halo on Xbox One.

Having never been to a gaming show I didn’t know where exactly to set the bar. A week out from the show that bar is now set extraordinarily high as EGLX introduced me to the gaming community in a way no other event had before.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/eglx-was-my-first-gaming-convention-and-it-won-t-be-my-last-495051.phtml

News:: Nidhogg 2 is coming to Switch later this year

Nidhogg creator Mark Essen announced today that Nidhogg 2 would be making its way to the Switch later in 2018.

Somehow this one didn't make its way into the Nindies showcase earlier today, but it's a pleasant surprise all the same. 

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/nidhogg-2-is-coming-to-switch-later-this-year-495172.phtml

News:: Fortnite mobile players spent $1.5 million in the first 72 hours in-game

It has been less than a week since popular battle-royale title Fortnite made the transition to mobile devices, but already figures have sky-rocketed for the pocket shooter.

According to statistical website Sensor Tower, estimates are that, in its first three days, players spent somewhere in the region of a staggering $1.5 million on in-game purchases. Don't forget that Fortnite mobile is currently only available on the iOS format, and is invite-only. Who knows how sizeable that figure would be if the game was currently live for everyone who wished to play it?

That's a higher revenue figure than global phenomenon Pokemon GO attained within its own first few days. As Epic Games' rolls out invites to more players, and they are eventually joined by their Android brethren, it seems likely that these incredible numbers will continue to grow.

Mobile Fortnite players spend more than $1 million in 72 hours [Sensor Tower]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/fortnite-mobile-players-spent-1-5-million-in-the-first-72-hours-in-game-495127.phtml

News:: Details emerge for Street Fighter V CPT Premier Pass DLC

It's that time of year where multi-million dollar company Capcom ask the fans to stump up funds for the Street Fighter V Pro-Tour. Yes, the CPT Premier Pass 2018 is upon us.

Launching in April in Japan, the pass features a selection of DLC items that are specific to the Premier Pass only. So the following will not be included as a part of any previous Season/DLC passes you may have purchased, nor will any of these items be purchasable with in-game currency.

The pass contains some traditional Japanese garb for fighters Sakura and Akuma, as well as a Birdie costume designed by Capcom Cup 2017 champion RISE|MenaRD. Also featured is a new EX colour for every member of the roster, new titles, exclusive pass-holder missions, and new stage "Ring of Power."

The Capcom Pro-Tour Premier Pass launches in Japan in April, though it is incredibly likely it will hit the West around the same time. It is priced at ¥2000, which is roughly $20.

CPT Premier Pass 2018 detailed [Capcom / Event Hubs]

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/details-emerge-for-street-fighter-v-cpt-premier-pass-dlc-495108.phtml

News:: Persona Dancing will include Velvet Room assistants as playable characters

Atlus announced in this week's Famitsu magazine that upcoming rhythm-action games Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night will include each game's respective Velvet Room assistants as playable characters.

Persona 3's Elizabeth will host the game's narrative and will also be playable in some form in Moon Night, while the same can be said for Persona 5's pint-sized, take-no-shit jailers Caroline and Justine, who will perform similar duties for Star Night.

Little detail was ascertained as to what form these "playable roles" take. For example, are they models in the dance sections of the game, or do players control them in the all-new "Commu" mode? Perhaps we'll find out more in tomorrow's live-stream, which is scheduled to broadcast on NicoNico at 19:40 JST.

Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5: Dancing Star Night are set for release in Japan May 24 on PS4 and PS Vita. A box set, which includes Persona 4: Dancing All Night, will also be available. There is still no news on a Western release.

Elizabeth, Caroline and Justine coming to Persona Dancing [Gematsu / Ryokutya2089]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/persona-dancing-will-include-velvet-room-assistants-as-playable-characters-495118.phtml

News:: Play the new ‘Overwatch’ battle healer hero Brigitte today

As is custom for Blizzard, last month the company dropped a couple hints on Overwatch's Twitter account before announcing a new hero and immediately adding her to the PTR. Today, the front-line battle healer Brigitte has been added to the game across all platforms.

Source: Overwatch (Twitter)

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/play-the-new-overwatch-battle-healer-hero-brigitte-today/

News:: PUBG is out now on Android and iOS, following Fortnite mobile

The great Battle Royale bout has begun! In one corner, PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds), the leading champion who basically claims to have made up the genre even though it's existed for years, and in another, Fornite -- the current Twitch dominator and new kid on the block.

The contenders have taken the fight out of the ring and into the mobile arena, as Epic just released Fortnite on iOS and Android last week, and as of last night, PUBG is also getting in on the action. Right now both games seem to be highly rated by users, with Fortnite currently at #1 in the action category with 54.6K ratings, and PUBG at #2 in action with 922 ratings. It's important to note that Fortnite had a small head start, but is also in an "invite only" affair. 

What's crazy about this whole thing is that Tencent owns 40% of Epic and worked with South Korean developer Bluehole to release PUBG in China and on mobile devices. They're the real winner in all of this.

I've downloaded both and will be giving them a shot.

PUBG Mobile iOS | Android [App Store, Google Play]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/pubg-is-out-now-on-android-and-ios-following-fortnite-mobile-495107.phtml

News:: Vivendi is selling all of its shares in Ubisoft

Vivendi has had its eyes on Ubisoft for years now, buying more and more shares, but that takeover-in-the-making story comes to a close today -- and not in the way many of us were expecting.

Ubisoft and Vivendi have reached an exit agreement that will see Vivendi selling its entire 27.3% stake in the publisher. It has also committed to not acquiring any shares in Ubisoft over the next five years.

Vivendi is selling 30,489,300 shares at 66 euros per share. "The transaction includes an investment by two new long-term investors, the Relationship Investing arm of Ontario Teachers' Public Equities division [3.4% of capital], and Tencent [5.0%], a share buy-back by Ubisoft [8.1%], an acquisition of shares by Guillemot Brothers SE, and an Accelerated Bookbuilding with institutional investors."

Ubisoft has also entered a "strategic partnership" that will enable Tencent to "operate, publish, and promote several of Ubisoft's most successful titles on PC and mobile in the Chinese market."

"Today, Ubisoft is fully reaping the benefits of our long-term strategy and the successful transformation towards a more recurring and profitable business," said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. "Ubisoft is perfectly positioned to capture the numerous video game growth drivers in the coming years."

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/vivendi-is-selling-all-of-its-shares-in-ubisoft-495153.phtml

News:: 'The Banner Saga 3' will arrive on Nintendo Switch this summer

The Banner Saga 3 is coming out this summer, and you'll be able to play it on your Nintendo Switch. The cartoony, crowd-funded, Norse-themed tactical RPG series' conclusion will be released on Nintendo's hybrid portable/home console this summer the same time as PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, according to developer Stoic.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/banner-saga-3-switch-ps4-xbox-one-pc/

News:: Skywalker Sound and the challenges of making audio for VR films

Lauded Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, best known for his work on movies such as Birdman and The Revenant, last year nabbed a "special" Oscar award for his VR exhibition Carne y Arena. The virtual reality project, dubbed Flesh and Sand in English, takes viewers into a world where they can experience what it's like to be an immigrant trying to cross a border. As much as visuals were important to tell this story, one of Iñárritu's focus was to also to create the most immersive sounds -- which can be complicated when going from traditional film to a completely new medium like VR.

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/skywalker-sound-carne-y-arena-vr/

News:: Dad getting ready to rumble as Bardock gets Dragon Ball FighterZ trailer

Namco Bandai have released a new trailer featuring another roster member coming to fast-paced anime brawler Dragon Ball FighterZ. The promo features Goku's father and dedicated Super Saiyan Soldier, Bardock.

As has been the case with all of the DBFZ trailers, the video is a little blink-and-you'll-miss-it, but we do get to see Bardock launch an intense sky-based beatdown on Freiza, An air combo segues into a special - attacking from multiple sides - before Bardock pops the adorable troublemaker out of the stratosphere with a incendiary Super.

This is the second DLC trailer to have dropped recently, with Broly getting his own preview video last week. Bandai Namco also just announced that both these characters will be made available for the game as paid DLC on March 28.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is available now on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/dad-getting-ready-to-rumble-as-bardock-gets-dragon-ball-fighterz-trailer-495095.phtml

News:: Get a good look at Harvest Moon creator's PS4/Switch-bound Little Dragons Cafe

Yasuhiro Wada has a massive following thanks to the creation of Harvest Moon (Story of Seasons), even if his recent works have been more polarizing than his early success. Even if a project of his has flaws it's usually immediately noteworthy just going by visuals alone, which is absolutely the case with Little Dragons Cafe.

This quirky cafe sim involves raising a dragon to magically save their mother from a coma (seriously), and features dragon rearing, cooking, farming and fishing, and of course, Diner Dash-esque serving. I'm not sure how it'll play out but the screens alone are adorable.

Little Dragons Cafe, which is apparently Little Dragons Cafe and not Little Dragon's Cafe, is set for a "late summer 2018" release on both PS4 and Switch. Pretty good little combo there!

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/get-a-good-look-at-harvest-moon-creator-s-ps4-switch-bound-little-dragons-cafe-495111.phtml

News:: Nintendo Switch's 2018 indie roster is looking strong

A year ago, Nintendo followed the launch of the Switch with a bold proclamation: The console would get a new indie game every week. This signaled a new era and approach to welcome third-party games, which previous Nintendo systems had failed to court well. Today, it seems like indie titles are lining up to jump on the Switch -- and the company announced a dozen new and remastered games will be headed to the console this year.

Source: Nintendo Nindies Showecase Spring 2018

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/nintendo-switchs-2018-indie-roster-is-looking-strong/

News:: Rumour: Assassin's Creed headed for Greece in 2019

According to a report by Comic Book, Ubisoft's next foray into the Assassin's Creed universe will happen in 2019, and will see the stealth 'n' stab adventure series travel to the sun-soaked shores of Greece.

The information came from a "well-corroborated" source. In fact, the same source that correctly predicted the Egyptian Gods and Monsters setting for the recent Assassin's Creed: Origins. There are no further tidbits available, other than the game has supposedly been in full production since last year and is expected to release on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

When considering classic Grecian settings, the obvious contender is Ancient Greece, a period considered to have begun around 9th century B.C. This era encapsulates huge advances in the arts, such as sculpture and poetry, as well as the country's submission under the Roman Empire, all of which sounds like the perfect backdrop for Assassin's Creed knifey-politicey chicanery.

Obviously, we'll let you know if and when more information is forthcoming. In the meantime, Assassin's Creed: Origins is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

Assassin's Creed 2019 will be set in Greece [Comic Book]

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/rumour-assassin-s-creed-headed-for-greece-in-2019-495102.phtml

News:: Reaction-based bass blaster Just Shapes & Beats coming to Switch

Lightning-fast rhythm-action game Just Shapes & Beats is one of the many PC titles announced on today's "Nindies" presentation that is making the jump to Nintendo Switch.

As the title suggests, Just Shapes & Beats is a basic, but deceptively difficult game for up to four players. Controlling a simple square, players must survives against waves of rectangles, triangles and other day-glo designs of all shapes (literally) and sizes as they pound the play-area to a bass-heavy electronica soundtrack.

Just Shapes & Beats, by Berzerk Studio, launches on PC and Nintendo Switch this year.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/reaction-based-bass-blaster-just-shapes-beats-coming-to-switch-495142.phtml

News:: Here are all of the games announced and dated from today's spring Nindies Showcase

During another short (11-minute) "Nindies Showcase" event, Nintendo gave indie developers a chance to sound off on what they've been working on for the Switch -- which included at least one new game announcement, ports, and release window news.

One of the biggest bits, and the one Nintendo led with, is Mark of the Ninja Remastered, Klei Entertainment's beloved stealth action platform romp from 2012. Also announced was a Switch port for the Steam early access game Fantasy Strike, a "summer" window for the "first on Switch" Just Shapes & Beats, Garage from TinyBuild (later this year), Bomb Chicken from Nitrome (summer), Reigns for Switch, Light Fall for Switch, a West of Loathing port, The Messenger for Switch, Pode, Pool Panic, Bad North, and Banner Saga 1-3.

It was brief but a few of those unreleased games have potential, and I'm psyched to play Mark of the Ninja again.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/here-are-all-of-the-games-announced-and-dated-from-today-s-spring-nindies-showcase-495141.phtml

News:: Sabotage Studios' The Messenger slices and dices on Switch this Summer

Sabotage Studios' The Messenger, which was previously announced for PC, will also be seeing release on Nintendo Switch.

The retro-styled actioner, which has more than just a little air of Ninja Gaiden about it, features tricky platform negotiation and a variety of comical boss battles, all backed by a wistfully nostalgic chip-tune score.

You can check out the trailer for the PC release below. The Messenger is expected to land on Switch this Summer.

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via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/sabotage-studios-the-messenger-slices-and-dices-on-switch-this-summer-495140.phtml

News:: Banner Saga 3 confirmed for Switch, 1+2 coming 'soon'

After one of the first successful video game Kickstarters, Banner Saga has been a shining star for the platform. Not only did Stoic deliver on its promise to give us a memorable strategy game with a beautiful art style, but they also went full steam ahead into a sequel in Banner Saga 2, and another follow-up in Banner Saga 3, the latter of which is scheduled to release this year.

Previously the series has been released on PC, mobile, PS4, and Xbox One, but now it's headed to the Switch in its entirety. As announced by way of the "Nindies Showcase" segment this morning, Banner Saga 3 will arrive on Switch later this year, and the first two games are coming "soon."

Smart move to get the first two out ahead of time!

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/banner-saga-3-confirmed-for-switch-1-2-coming-soon--495139.phtml

News:: West of Loathing is exclusively Switchbound

Get ready to shoot em' up in West of Loathing, the cowboy-themed follow up to Kingdom of Loathing, as it makes its way exclusively to the Nintendo Switch this spring. Despite literally being black and white with stick figures -- this comedic gem shouldn't go unmissed.

 

Read more...

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/west-of-loathing-is-exclusively-switchbound-495138.phtml

News:: Lumines Remastered comes to Switch this spring

It's always great to see Lumines alive and well! The lovingly crafted rhythm game from Q Entertainment is headed to Switch "this spring."

As announced during the "Nindies Showcase" today, the series, which was previously available on Sony and Microsoft systems like PS2, the Xbox Live Arcade, and PSN, is now headed to a Nintendo platform.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/lumines-remastered-comes-to-switch-this-spring-495137.phtml

News:: Mark of the Ninja Remastered is sneaking its way to the Switch

The Nindies are underway and starting off strong with Mark of the Ninja Remastered being announced for the Nintendo Switch and releasing later this Fall. Get ready to sneak and cut things up into a bloody pulp in the palm of your hands!

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/mark-of-the-ninja-remastered-is-sneaking-its-way-to-the-switch-495136.phtml

News:: Colourful fighter Fantasy Strike blasts onto Switch this year

Steam early-access fighter Fantasy Strike is coming to Nintendo Switch later this year. The port was announced during the Nintendo "Nindies" broadcast today.

The fighter, by Sirlin Games, is created with absolute beginners in mind, yet has mechanics deep enough to please veteran fighting games fans. Characters are armed with the ability to mess with various physical elements, such as gravity, time and shape-shifting.

Currently on Steam Early Access, Fantasy Strike comes to Switch later this year.

via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/colourful-fighter-fantasy-strike-blasts-onto-switch-this-year-495135.phtml

News:: More than 60 new apps support Android's AR platform

Now that Android's ARCore platform is a practical reality, augmented reality apps are coming out of the woodwork. Google has announced that over 60 ARCore-capable apps are launching on the Play Store this week, many of them games arriving in sync with the Game Developers Conference. Some have them have already arrived, including virtual pet game My Tamagotchi Forever launched on March 15th. It's also using the timing to highlight practical apps like Pottery Barn's 3D Room View and eBay's Which Box (which tells you how large a box you need to ship an item). One of the new apps even comes from Google itself -- it's launching an experiment.

Source: Just A Line, Google Play

via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/03/20/android-arcore-adds-60-new-apps/